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Galentine’s or Valentine’s – It’s Up To You

February 13, 2018/

I’ve never celebrated Valentine’s Day. Even when I was in a relationship, we didn’t celebrate. At that time, it wasn’t my choice. My boyfriend at the time, despite an intervention from one of my friends, just didn’t believe in it, and so we didn’t celebrate it. Which, all I had wanted was a simple box of chocolate and a “Happy Valentine’s Day”. I didn’t get that, but I’m over it now. At least, I think I am. Kidding. I am.

I’ve spent many of Valentine’s single. The last few years in particular. But I’ve come to accept the fact that Valentine’s Day just isn’t for me. I’ve also come to accept the fact that it’s also very much over-produced. I should’ve seen this years ago when I worked at a Carlton Card’s location during three Valentine’s seasons. My favourite part was when all the boyfriends/husbands/fiances/wannabe boyfriends/girlfriends/partners would come in last minute (the night before, and yes, the day of) and get my assistance in picking out a gift for their significant other. They would just want something to get their significant other so that they felt loved. When, just like me, all their person probably wanted was just a small gesture of “Hey, I’m here, I like you/I love you, and I’m not going anywhere, so here’s some chocolate, and a bouquet of flowers, let’s Netflix and chill.” Okay, maybe not the last part. But then again, probably the last part.

The key part to being a single gal on Valentine’s Day? You have to remind yourself that you’re not the only single person on the planet. And you’re not going to be single forever and end up a cat lady (that is at least what I tell myself). I recently tried to make this silver platter versus wood platter analogy to one of my girlfriends (I’ll elaborate another day), as she had a moment of WHOA I’M 28. At least, that’s what I’m going to call this moment. And the “Whoa I’m 28” moment is a moment I have had so many times (okay, I’ve only been 28 since December, but it was the “Whoa I’m 27” moment last year. It comes up a lot around lovey dovey times (ie. Valentines, Christmas, and Weddings). When it happens, I remind myself is that I’m not going to be single forever. It just so happens that these loving times of the year make you yearn and long for something so romantic. But that’s okay. Being single is okay.

On Valentine’s Day, don’t spend your night wallowing in your own self pity. I’ve done that during years past, and it does not get you anywhere good. Pour yourself a glass of wine, watch a good movie, and just enjoy the fact that at this particular moment, you answer to nobody but yourself.

And to all those in a relationship – enjoy your night! I hope your significant other gets you a box of chocolate, and maybe a bouquet of flowers. I hope they take you to dinner, or make you dinner – anything. I hope they acknowledge Valentine’s Day if you want it acknowledged. I hope they take into consideration the fact that if you like this day, they do something to make you feel as though you like it too (even if you don’t). That’s one of the sacrifices of love, isn’t it?

So whomever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you do this Valentine’s Day – I hope you enjoy it. I hope you survive. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, or taken and… what rhymes with taken? Oh well, just enjoy tomorrow.